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Ice Cube to appear in contemporary Disney adaptation of Oliver Twist

Disney is set to make a contemporary musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1838 novel Oliver Twist starring Ice Cube in the iconic role of Fagin.

The Hollywood Reporter has word that Ice Cube will take on the role of Fagin - the leader of a group of pickpockets whom Oliver falls in with. Before you flip your desk in rage that there are "No new ideas anymore!", you may regain an ounce of hope on hearing that Thomas Kail, the award-winning director of the hit musical Hamilton, will helm the project.

Disney's new project is described as "a modern musical", spanning many genres including hip-hop. It's not yet clear if the adaptation will fool around with the songs of the Broadway musical Oliver! or write its own entirely original soundtrack. Cube will write for the new musical, partnering with producer Jeff Kwatinetz - who's worked with the likes of Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and Limp Bizkit.

Now we love a contemporary remake as much as the next cinema goer, but the notion of a hip-hop Dickens adaptation fills us with something close to dread (have you seen Into the Hoods, the contemporary hip-hop adaptation of Into the Woods? Don't.). Here's hoping Thomas Kail works his magic for the big house of mouse.